Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Open Bar

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and looking for a way to see the island from a different perspective, a catamaran cruise might just be the highlight of your visit. This particular experience offered by SANTORINI STAR promises a relaxed, scenic day on the water, complete with stops at iconic beaches, volcanic hot springs, and charming islands. What makes it appealing is the combination of stunning views, delicious food, and an open bar that keeps the mood lively.

From what we gather through rave reviews and detailed descriptions, this tour is especially suited for those who love being out at sea, enjoy socializing over good food and drinks, and want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation. One thing to keep in mind is that, while it’s a fun experience, the group size is limited to 18 passengers, so it feels more intimate than some larger tours.

If you’re after an adventure that’s easygoing and well-organized—without the hassle of planning multiple stops yourself—this cruise could be a great choice. It’s also quite a good value considering the inclusions, but we’ll get into the details soon.

Key Points

• Small group experience with a maximum of 18 passengers for a more personalized feel.
• Multiple scenic stops including Red Beach, White Beach, and volcanic hot springs.
• Delicious onboard meal featuring seafood, Greek salads, fresh fruit, and desserts.
• Open bar with local wine, beers, and beverages, plus a glass of Prosecco.
• Flexible pickup options from popular locations like Oia, Kamari, and others.
• Professional crew with live commentary and a focus on safety and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on Your Santorini Catamaran Cruise

This cruise typically lasts around 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. The experience kicks off at the old marina of Vlychada, where you’ll meet your crew and hop onto the boat. From there, the adventure begins with a scenic sail along the caldera, passing White Beach before your first swim stop at Red Beach. This beach is famous for its striking red cliffs and clear waters—perfect for photos and a quick dip. Many reviews mention how beautiful and unique this spot is, often describing it as a highlight.

After Red Beach, the boat continues along the coast, with a chance to see scenic views near the Venetian lighthouse. Then, it’s time for a visit to the volcanic hot springs, where you can swim and feel the thermal waters—many travelers say it’s a relaxing and almost mystical experience. The springs aren’t just about fun; they’re also believed to have healing properties, which adds a bit of a wellness aspect to your day.

The main stop is at the picturesque island of Thirassia, often called the “little brother” of Santorini. This charming spot offers a peaceful environment for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. Here, a freshly prepared lunch is served on board, featuring a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Many reviews praise the quality of the food, highlighting fresh seafood, pasta with Mediterranean sauce, and regional specialties. During this time, you can also indulge in the open bar—trust us, the drinks keep flowing, and many guests mention how generous the service is.

As the cruise winds down, you’ll pass by notable landmarks like Indian Rock and Black Mountain, with opportunities for photos and soaking in the scenery. The final moments include a sunset at sea, which often leaves guests in awe. The cruise concludes with a gentle sail back to the marina, and many reviews state the crew’s attentiveness and friendly demeanor made the experience all the more enjoyable.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Transfer: The journey begins with convenient hotel pickups from locations like Kamari, Perissa, Thira, Oia, and Athens Protasis. The transfers are usually in luxurious air-conditioned minibuses, which adds to the comfort from the start.

Vlichada Marina: Once at the marina, there’s a brief safety briefing and a warm welcome from the crew. The boat, which can hold up to 18 guests, is described as spotlessly clean and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant start.

First Stop – Red Beach: Your first anchor point, just a quick swim and photo op at this famous beach. Reviewers rave about the scenic landscape—cliffs of red volcanic rock and crystal-clear waters make for memorable photos.

White Beach: Passing by this spot, you get a glimpse of a pristine shoreline before your next swim. Many guests enjoy the scenic views during the short stop, along with some light guided commentary.

Mésa Pigádia: An intermediate stop that often features snorkeling and swimming opportunities in calm, transparent waters. Here, guests can relax for about 35 minutes, enjoying light snacks and regional drinks.

Black Beach: Another quick photo stop—many reviewers mention the dramatic volcanic landscape as a perfect backdrop for photos.

Hot Springs: Then, it’s time for one of the most unique parts of the tour—swimming in the volcanic hot springs. Expect warm, mineral-rich waters that many find soothing. The crew usually provides towels, and guests describe this as both fun and relaxing.

Volcano and Thirassia: Passing by the volcano offers some captivating views and photo moments. The highlight is the longer stop at Thirassia, where you’ll enjoy a meal onboard with regional specialties like seafood, salads, and pasta. Many reviews mention how fresh and tasty the food is, often exceeding expectations for a cruise meal.

Sunset Passage: The final hour is dedicated to watching the sunset from the deck, with many guests describing it as a breathtaking experience. It’s a peaceful way to end a day of sightseeing and swimming.

Return to Marina: The cruise wraps up with a smooth sail back to Vlichada, where transfers return you to your hotel or accommodation.

What’s Included and What to Expect in Terms of Value

This tour offers a lot for $124 per person. The price covers hotel transfers, an experienced crew, live commentary, snorkeling gear and towels, and a generous meal paired with an open bar. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and attentive the crew is, often mentioning the delicious onboard food—from fresh seafood to regional desserts.

The open bar is a standout feature, with local white wine, beers, beverages, and a glass of Prosecco included. Guests appreciate the flowing drinks that keep the vibe lively throughout the trip.

Considering the limited group size, the experience feels more personalized, and you get ample opportunities for swimming, photo-taking, and relaxing. That said, the tour doesn’t stop directly on beaches, which may be a drawback for those seeking beachside lounging. Instead, you get short accessible swims in scenic spots, which many find more than enough to enjoy.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Santorini’s natural beauty without the hustle of multiple organized tours. If you love being on the water, snorkeling, or simply relaxing with good food and drinks, this trip hits all those notes. The small group setting makes it especially appealing for couples, friends, or small families seeking a more intimate atmosphere.

People who value fresh, regional food and friendly staff will find this cruise a memorable part of their trip. It’s also an ideal way to see the island’s iconic coastlines and volcanic features with minimal planning.

However, if you’re expecting beach-side lounging or a more active water sports experience, this cruise might be a bit lighter on those details. Also, keep in mind that mooring doesn’t happen directly on beaches—swimming is in accessible, rocky spots near the beaches, which generally isn’t an issue but is worth noting.

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FAQs

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts around 5 hours, offering enough time for multiple stops, swimming, and enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Your booking covers hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, towels, a delicious onboard meal, and an open bar with wine, beers, beverages, and a glass of Prosecco.

Are there different pickup locations?
Yes. Pickup options include Kamari, Perissa, Thera, Oia, and Athens Protasis—making it convenient regardless of where you stay.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews repeatedly mention the spotless cleanliness and comfortable size of the boat, which holds a maximum of 18 guests for a more intimate experience.

Can I swim at the beaches?
While the boat cannot moor directly on the beaches, you can swim at short distances from the rocky shores. Many guests love the swimming stops at Red Beach and Thirassia for the clear waters.

What about food allergies or dietary needs?
You are advised to specify any food allergies during booking so the crew can prepare accordingly. The meal offers seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
While it’s a family-friendly activity, the focus on swimming and being on a boat means it’s best suited for older children who are comfortable in the water and on boats.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, sunscreen, swimwear, and a windbreaker. Towels are provided.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Open Bar offers a well-rounded experience perfect for those wanting to see some of the island’s most iconic sights from the water. The combination of scenic stops, delicious regional food, and friendly crew ensures many guests leave with happy memories. Its small group feel and professional service stand out, making it a popular choice among travelers.

If you love relaxed cruises with enough time to swim, take photos, and indulge in good food, this tour is likely to tick those boxes. The value for money is strongly supported by glowing reviews praising the quality of the food, drinks, and overall organization.

On the flip side, if your ideal day involves beach lounging or high-energy water sports, this might feel a bit more laid-back than you want. Still, for a scenic, leisurely day out in Santorini’s waters, it’s tough to beat.

Would This Tour Suit You?

If you’re after a relaxing day at sea with opportunities to swim in volcanic waters, enjoy regional cuisine, and sip on local drinks—all in a small group setting—then this cruise is a strong contender. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in scenic views, good food, and friendly service.

The experience is designed to be comfortable and enjoyable, with a focus on natural beauty and good company. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable day discovering Santorini from a different angle, this tour offers genuine value and a laid-back vibe worth considering.

Ready to set sail? This cruise promises a lovely mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and culinary delights—an experience many guests describe as unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here: